Near Crofton in Cedar County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Scenic Missouri Valley
This scenic overlook provides a clear view of the valley of the Missouri River, the longest waterway in North America. To the west is the Gavins Point Dam and the Lewis and Clark Recreation Area. The dam was built to harness the fury of the river whose potential for havoc has been repeatedly demonstrated. In 1881 a torrent of crushing ice and water swept away the small village on Green Island on the Nebraska bottom opposite Yankton, South Dakota.
Across the river near Yankton may be seen the red bluffs and juniper trees which covered the "Butifull Plain" described by Lewis and Clark in 1804. Later observers indicated that the unusually thick stands of timber in 1804 had been thinned possibly cut to provide fuel for steamboats. This region provided abundant game and natural vegetation to support the nomadic Sioux and the more sedentary Ponca and Omaha. The continued richness of the alluvial soil is reflected in the cultivated fields surrounding this point.
Today the beautiful plain depicted by Captain Clark flourished under the protection of modern conservation and agricultural practice.
Erected by Department of Roads Nebraska State Historical Society. (Marker Number 168.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Lewis & Clark Expedition, and the Nebraska State Historical Society series lists.
Location. 42° 49.728′ N, 97° 24.229′ W. Marker is near Crofton, Nebraska, in Cedar County. Marker can be reached from U.S. 81, 1˝ miles south of 898th Rd.. This marker is located at the Corps of Discovery Welcome Center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 89705 US-81, Crofton NE 68730, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Meridian Highway (here, next to this marker); Meeting the Yankton Sioux (here, next to this marker); The Great Missouri River (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Historic Missouri Valley (about 500 feet away); Flood of 1881 Leaves Lost Settlements in its Wake (approx. 2˝ miles away in South Dakota); Crossroads of Culture (approx. 2.6 miles away in South Dakota); USS Scorpion (SS-278) (approx. 2.7 miles away in South Dakota); William H. McMaster (approx. 2.7 miles away in South Dakota). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Crofton.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 17, 2017. It was originally submitted on February 14, 2017, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. This page has been viewed 493 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 14, 2017, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.